There are no safety recalls for the 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, but owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA.
2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Steering | 19 | |
| Air Bags | 17 | |
| Electrical System | 8 | |
| Engine | 6 | |
| Unknown or Other | 6 | |
| Service Brakes | 4 | |
| Structure | 4 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 3 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | |
| Power Train | 2 | |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 4
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages — 1
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 60,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Service Brakes · reported Jun 4, 2026
I have a Lincoln MKZ Hybrid 2012 with 88k miles on it. While I was slowing to a stop as I approached a stoplight at a busy intersection, the 'Check Brake' warning on the dashboard lit up without warning and no prior issues, and my ability to brake became near impossible as the pedal softened. I needed to push it all the way to the floor to get the vehicle to stop. I shifted into park and turned off the vehicle - following turning it back on, the dashboard warning disappeared, I was able to brake again, and the warning has not come back since. My vehicle just passed inspection earlier in the…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 119,000 miles · reported Jul 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and went all the way to the floorboard however, the vehicle failed to immediately stop. The contact stated that after pumping the brake pedal repeatedly the vehicle came to a stop. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with the ABS control module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number…
Latches/Locks/Linkages · at 55,567 miles · reported Jul 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that the front driver's side door failed to open while pulling the interior door handle, requiring the contact to open the door using the exterior door handle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the front driver's side interior door handle was replaced three times, and the door lock was replaced once; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the front passenger' side door failed to open completely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the front passenger' side door lock was replaced once…
Steering · at 125,000 miles · reported Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist and driving track warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to his place of employment. The contact stated that after work he started the vehicle and, while driving, the steering seized. The contact used both hands to turn and steer the vehicle. The contact phoned the local dealer and made the dealer aware of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not…
Steering · at 66,000 miles · reported Nov 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while her husband was attempting to reverse, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, and the vehicle displayed a message stating "Electric Power Steering Assist Fault". The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power steering control module. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the VIN was included but the…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid?
Owners report steering problems most often (19 reports), followed by air bags (17). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 60,000 miles.
Are Lincoln recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Lincoln dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.